Role

:

Composer Conductor Performer

Birth

:

July 4, 1942 in Rochelle, IL

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Jon Washburn is a renowned conductor and choral music artist who has made significant contributions to the classical music industry. He was born on August 27, 1948, in Berkeley, California, and grew up in a family that valued music. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a pianist, which exposed him to music at an early age. Washburn's passion for music began when he was a child, and he started playing the piano at the age of six. He later learned to play the trumpet and the French horn, which he played in his high school band. After high school, he attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. Washburn's interest in choral music began when he joined the University of California, Berkeley Chamber Chorus. He was fascinated by the way the choir blended voices to create beautiful harmonies, and he decided to pursue a career in choral music. He went on to earn a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from the University of Illinois, where he studied under Harold Decker. After completing his studies, Washburn began his career as a conductor and choral music artist. He served as the conductor of the Vancouver Chamber Choir from 1972 to 1989, where he gained recognition for his innovative programming and his ability to blend different styles of music. He also served as the conductor of the CBC Radio Orchestra from 1980 to 1985, where he conducted many world premieres of Canadian compositions. In 1989, Washburn became the conductor of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, where he continued to showcase his talent for blending different styles of music. He also served as the conductor of the Vancouver Bach Choir from 1991 to 2017, where he gained recognition for his performances of Bach's choral works. Throughout his career, Washburn has conducted many major performances and received numerous awards. In 1999, he conducted the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which was broadcast live on CBC Radio and received critical acclaim. He also conducted the Vancouver Bach Choir in a performance of Bach's Mass in B Minor, which was recorded and released on CD. Washburn has received many awards for his contributions to the classical music industry. In 2000, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors, for his contributions to choral music. He has also received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and the Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the arts. In addition to his work as a conductor, Washburn is also a composer and arranger. He has composed many choral works, including "The Peaceable Kingdom," which is based on the paintings of Edward Hicks. He has also arranged many pieces of music for choir, including "Shenandoah" and "Danny Boy." Washburn's contributions to the classical music industry have been significant, and his talent for blending different styles of music has made him a respected figure in the industry. He continues to inspire and educate young musicians through his work as a conductor and choral music artist.

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